Book match



Oct. 24, 1950 M, LACSEK 2,527,328

BOOK MATCH Filed Nov. 30, 1945 INVENTOR MAUmcE Pomcsm Patented Oct. 24, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT'OFFICE BOOK MATCH Maurice Polacsek, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application November 30, 1945, Serial No. 631,841

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in book matches.

More specifically, the present invention proposes the construction of a match book containing matches having theirheads disposed on a portion set at an angle to the main stem of the match whereby the match can be struck against the striking part of the book with the head vertically below the portion of the match to which it is attached, thus insuring quicker burning of this portion by the flame starting at the head.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the book of matches constructed in accordance with this in- Vention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the book of matches, opened.

Fig. 3 is a front view of one layer of matches detached from the book.

Fig. 4 is a View of a match burning.

Fig. 5 is a View showing the method of striking the match.

The book matches, according to this invention, comprise a folder lll having, when closed, a front wall ll, a top wall l2, a rear wall l3, a bottom wall l4 and a front fiap l5, this fiap having adhering thereto a layer of suitable material to form a striking surface, for having struck thereon, matches, such material being, for example, red phosphorus. Inside are several layers of book matches IG and l'l cut into match sticks and made of pressed paper, wood or other suitable material.

The individual matches of each layer are integrally connected at their bottoms by a support l8. The matches are formed by stamping a substantially rectangular sheet of cardboard. In conventional book matches, the matches of each layer are similarly stamped from a sheet of cardboard but each match is straight. According to the present invention, each match (IG or l 1) has a straight bottom portion IS, a top portion zu inclined relative to portion la, and a head 2I of a suitable chemical on the free end of portion 20. The matches are not bent but are cut so that they appear to be bent and the bent portions are preferably round at 20*, where they 2 Claims. (Cl. 206-29) are extended from the matches IG and ll. There may be as many layers as desired, but two is a satisfactory number. These layers are secured in the cover by a staple 22 or the like. In the present invention the stamping operation would be no more expensive than it is for the conventional straight match.

Preferably the matches of the layers bend in opposite directions, but they may bend in the same direction if desired. The angle between the portions i9 and 20 is determined so that When the head 2l ignites, and the match is held normally in a persons hand, the flame will surround the portion 20 and quickly set it on fire. This is a great improvement over conventional straight matches, wherein the flame burns above the match and therefore has a, tendency to go out unless the match is tilted. Tilting of the match, of course, in the case of the conventional straight match, may at times result in a burnt finger.

In Fig. 4 a match is shown demonstrating how the burning head 2l ignites the portion 20. In Fig. 5 is shown the normal position of striking for the match of the present invention.

The angle between the portions l9 and 2B will be the angle which is most suitable according to the breadth of the individual match, this breadth vai-ying somewhat depending upon the type of match employed.

With the match of the present invention, it is not necessary to parafiine the portion 20 since it will be surrounded by flame and will ignite readily. However, it may be paraiiined if desired so that the flame can light the paper stem or splint of the match still more readily.

The match of the present invention is particularly adapted for lighting out of doors, in` automobiles, trains or the like where there are winds or drafts, the wind causing the flame to blow along the portion 20 rather than away from the match as in the case of a straight match.

Another advantage of the match of the present invention is that it may have a thinner or smaller head since the match catches on fire more readily than conventional matches. Thus a saving in chemical, and cost of the match book, is effected.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within'the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A book match comprising an openable cover and a layer of splints in said cover, said layer including a row of splints integrally connected at their bottoms, each of said splints including a straight bottom portion and a portion inclined relative to but as thus inclined lying substantially in the same plane as its said bottom portion, and a chemical head on said top portion.

2. In a book of matches having a flat enclosing cover formed with an openable cover portion v and a match striking area, a layer of splints mounted in the cover and integrally connected at their bottom ends, said splints having parallel straight bottom portions, said bottom portions continuing at their top ends into laterally in'- clined portions, said top portions being laterally inclined in the same plane as the plane of said REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,197,451 Eaton Apr. 16, 1940 2,452,882 Visco Nov. 2, 1948 

